The XR4Register at RS Owners Club National Day, Rockingham - Sun 19th August 2007

After the glorious weather of Ford Fair some weeks back, it was only inevitable that it wouldn't last. Surely enough, having arrived at Rockingham Speedway, we were greeted with black clouds and heavy rain. The weather forecast was true to form but that didn't deter some of the crew.

The very wet RS Marshal's directed us to our area. Luckily most of us were prepared so, with our brollies at the ready, we slowly organised all the cars on our stand. There was plenty of space so Ralph's Fiesta ST and Caz's Focus ST170 joined us in 4mation. There was so much space that we managed to have an area for Andos Car Boot sale ! His Mondeo Estate was fully stacked with bits and bobs from his XR4i Cosworth, which he has now broken good and proper.

As there was Motor racing action, most people took to the shelter inside the grandstand at Rockingham. Everyone hoped that rain would ease off as the track action was being delayed, due to the very wet track conditions. Eventually,rain turned into light showers and the track was dry enough for the cars to compete on.

Al and Pablo were at Rockingham bright and early, they had 4 sessions booked to get through the day with their track car. The car was behaving well but at the end of the third run, the known fuel starvation problem occurred again. It was time to call it a day and the track car joined the rest of the crew cars on the stand.

Apart from the track time, the motor racing line up was: the BRSCC championship, Thunder Sunday featuring V8 SCSA stock cars and pick up trucks on the full oval. Ford Saloons and Ford Fiesta's were on the International circuit.

Every one was glad that the showers had stopped and so the umbrellas were redundant. There were plenty of cars to see outside; some very nice displays
of Historic Escort Rally Cars, lots of clubs with some fine display and not forgetting the massive line up of Focus RS's.... yawn... zzzZ

Besides the club stands, there was a fair few traders and a couple of auto jumbles. Even though there was plenty of space, the trade stands seemed to be cramped and didn't have enough room to display their bits and bobs properly. We are sure Rockingham don't charge by the Square Foot ! Why not give them the extra space ? The prices of bits for sale were a bit on the steep side; the latter was obviously a reflection of the pitch costs. It will be interesting to see how many traders will be there next year.

The clouds were once again looming and some people made a break for the exits. Not before time as it started to rain again. Its a good job the RSOC have a marquee and a half as final end of day presentation were made inside it. It chucked it down big style and as usual, there was a mad panic with some of the RS boys as their cars have never seen the rain before ! We watched in
amusement as there was a rush to leave and a massive queue developed.

A difficult show to sum up:
On the down side:

Although there was plenty going on inside, one was too far away to see it properly without a reflector telescope !

The trade stands were too cramped and expensive.

On the upside:

Rockingham is a very understated venue with lots of CLEAN facilities and plenty of SEATING under shelter... which is more than can be said for other venues !

Plenty of bargains on the Ando's Auto Jumble Stand !

What will Ando bring next year...well you best book your now space to
find out !